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USDA national pollinator event showcases program's benefits

Monday, June 27, 2011

The FSA promotes farmers' growing of wildflowers for pollination purposes.

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary initiative that has long provided soil, water and wildlife improvements on weak and low-yielding farm land. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) headquarters recently hosted the 5th Annual Pollinator Celebration at its People's Garden, which presented the benefits of programs including the CRP.

"Celebrating 25 Years of the Conservation Reserve Program" was one exhibit at the event and featured the Farm Service Agency (FSA) mascot Zip the Bee, who helped get the word out about the CRP and the new CP42 program.

For those who have played the popular AgVenture Game on the FSA Kids website, they will be familiar with the character Zip, as he is the game's tour guide. During the Pollinator Celebration, Zip provided important information regarding the CRP.

The CRP also helps farmers seed a variety of wildflowers to promote the diverse habitat required by pollinators, such as bees, birds and beetles. The CP42 initiative aims to improve these plantings even further.

Farmers and ranchers looking to plant a variety of wildflowers and crops, as well as develop their land in general, can rely on John Deere equipment to perform on their fields. John Deere dealers provide machinery such as lawn mowers, tractors and balers to tend their land and crops.